Discover the unmatched craftsmanship and legendary tone of Martin Guitars in our curated collection of used and vintage models. From sought-after pre-war Martins to modern classics, we offer an ever-changing selection of dreadnoughts, orchestra models, twelve-strings, and rare limited editions — each professionally inspected, setup, and documented here at Mahar’s Vintage Guitars.
Whether you’re looking for an HD-28, 000-28EC, D-18, or a unique custom shop creation, our inventory showcases instruments that deliver the warm, resonant tone Martin is famous for. Every guitar is photographed extensively, verified for authenticity, and shipped with the care collectors and players deserve.
Start exploring our Martin Guitars Collection today and find your next heirloom-quality instrument.
Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Buy a Used or Vintage Martin
Pre-War, Golden Era, and Modern Production
Martin's most collectible instruments are generally split into a few eras: pre-war Martins (built before 1945, prized for scalloped bracing and old-growth tonewoods), the vintage era running through the 1970s, and modern production, which includes both standard-line guitars and Martin's own "Golden Era" and "Authentic" series — reissues built to replicate specific vintage-year specs using period-correct materials and construction methods. A guitar doesn't need to be decades old to be a serious instrument: a well-built modern Martin, especially a Golden Era or Authentic model, can offer vintage-spec tone and construction with the reliability of a newer build.
What drives value in a used or vintage Martin
-
Wood and bracing — scalloped braces, Adirondack spruce tops, and Brazilian rosewood back and sides (used before Martin shifted to Indian rosewood in the late 1960s) are the features collectors chase most, and they command real premiums.
-
Originality vs. modification — a original, unmodified guitar is generally worth more than one with replaced tuners, an added pickup system, or a non-original finish, though a tasteful electronics install (like an LR Baggs or K&K system) can add practical value for a playing musician without significantly hurting collector value.
-
Repair history — neck resets and refrets are common, expected maintenance on a genuinely vintage flat-top and don't necessarily hurt value if done well; cracks, especially top cracks, matter more and should be disclosed and assessed for stability.
-
Documentation — factory order numbers and serial numbers help pin down an exact production year, which is why we photograph and document these details on every listing.
How we grade and document our guitars
Every Martin in this collection is inspected in-house before listing. We verify serial numbers against Martin's production records, note any repairs or non-original components clearly in the listing, and photograph construction details so you can evaluate condition and authenticity before buying. Every guitar also receives a professional setup before it ships, whether it's a 1946 D-28 or a 2023 Standard Series.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "pre-war" mean for a Martin guitar, and why does it matter?
"Pre-war" refers to Martins built before World War II production changes took hold, generally before 1945. These guitars are prized for scalloped X-bracing and old-growth tonewoods that are difficult to replicate today, and they carry the highest collector premiums in the Martin lineup. You can use our Dating Your Guitar guide to help pin down a specific instrument's production year, or contact us and we'll lend a hand.
What's the difference between Brazilian and Indian rosewood Martins?
Martin used Brazilian rosewood for back and sides until supply restrictions forced a switch to Indian rosewood in the late 1960s. Brazilian rosewood is prized for its tonal complexity and is now restricted under international trade regulations (CITES), which adds both value and some extra paperwork when shipping internationally. Indian rosewood remains a highly regarded tonewood in its own right and is standard on most rosewood Martins made since.
Are neck resets and refrets normal on a vintage Martin?
Yes — a neck reset restores proper neck angle as a guitar's top settles over decades, and a refret replaces worn frets from years of playing. Both are routine, expected maintenance on genuinely old instruments and are typically noted in our listings rather than treated as flaws.
Do you ship guitars internationally, and how are they insured?
Yes — we ship internationally, and every instrument is insured in transit, packed carefully to protect it from damage during shipping. Import duties and taxes are the buyer's responsibility and vary by destination country. Guitars containing regulated tonewoods like Brazilian rosewood may require additional documentation for international shipments.
What's included in a professional setup before shipping?
Every guitar receives a full setup — action, intonation, and truss rod adjustment, and fresh strings — so it's playable straight out of the case, whether it's headed to a stage, studio, or living room.
Can I trade my current guitar toward one of these?
Yes, we accept trades toward used and vintage Martin instruments. Reach out with details and photos of your guitar and we'll provide a trade valuation. You can use our Sell My Vintage Guitar form to make it super easy.
